Classical music CDs rarely feature both choral and chamber works, but on this new release, the juxtaposition is justified. For which of Felix Mendelssohn’s music is the more Bach-inspired? The Lutheran choir works which breathe Bach in every note? Or the exquisite Second Piano Trio, with the choral Herr Gott dich loben wir which motored Bach’s cantata BWV 130?
Although the Thomaskantor is looking over Mendelssohn’s shoulder on this album, the latter’s breathtakingly beautiful music does not need its Bach-credentials to enchant: it just needs sensitive and dedicated performers to bring out its genius and lyricism.
The present release convenes two “dream teams” in this respect.
Under the baton of the eccentric genius Hervé Niquet, the Flemish Radio Choir has evolved into one of the world’s most versatile and celebrated chamber choirs: among its recent achievements, the prestigious ECHO Klassik award (for the recording of Félicien David’s opera Herculanum) holds pride of place.
And cello virtuoso Pieter Wispelwey teamed up with two close (and equally acclaimed) friends for the Piano Trio: Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto – whom The Guardian dubbed “the best thing to happen to classical music in years” –, and Scottish pianist Alasdair Beatson, “artistry incarnate” according to the Sunday Times.
Both ensembles bring homage to a composer who did not live long enough to receive his due acclaim, but gave second life to Bach, and – much more importantly – grace, intensity and poetry to the Romantics